How to Dress Well on a Budget

Good morning,

Today I want to speak on humility, the quiet virtue golf demands of us. No matter how many years you play, this game finds a way to humble you. One day you are striking it pure and free. The next you are lost in the trees, searching for a swing that was just there yesterday.

And yet we return.

Not because we expect perfection, but because we are drawn to the pursuit itself. The game reminds us that progress is not linear. It asks us to stay grounded, to shake hands after the round whether we shot seventy-two or ninety-two, and to keep striving with grace. In this way, golf mirrors life.

Success is fleeting, but character is enduring. Let us walk the fairways this week with humility in our hearts and gratitude in our steps. For in the quiet struggle lies the true beauty of the game.

Amen.

I wrote a few posts here about essentials for the modern golfer. Before reading the rest of this post, I suggest reading How to Dress When Playing Golf to get a baseline of the types of clothing I suggest wearing on a golf course. It’s not for everyone, and that’s ok, but it should resonate with most of you.

Now, my two favorite brands are Holderness and Peter Millar, and they are expensive for a reason. Price reflects quality, don’t settle.

I’ve mentioned before that almost all of my clothes are one of those two brands, and that is by design. It’s not just about brand loyalty, it’s about knowing what fits. The fit of your clothing is equally as important as the brand, and by narrowing the brands down I’m able to mix/match just about any shirt/short/pant combo without thinking too hard.

Now here’s why it matters: buying this stuff on eBay/Poshmark. You may scoff at the very idea, but I’m telling you right now, if you know your size, you can save 50% on retail for brand new shirts. See below for evidence. Search: Holderness & Bourne Mens Medium. Filter by size and New with Tags.

I’m a medium in Holderness every day of the week, and I can get a new one here for 40%+ of retail, especially if someone doesn't know what they are selling. Sure, they might be a few seasons old, but the quality remains top notch. You can rinse and repeat this strategy on Poshmark as well.

My suggestion: If you are pressed for cash and actually want to look good on the golf course this summer, find your size in whatever brand you like, and find decent looking NWT shirts/shorts etc on eBay and Poshmark. Stick with brands that you know fit you well, so you don’t have to worry about returns.

I’ve always been a fan of the towel drill, and any variations of it. For me, it helps my arms feel connected on the backswing, and it helps me keep the club on plane. If you don’t want to put a towel under both arms, I like to put an extra glove under my right arm (as a righty) to get a similar feel.

Ben Griffin has a pretty interesting WITB. I fell in love with his putter after a single look. I believe he’s only 1 of 2 guys in the top 25 in the world still using a blade. A man after my heart. A purist.

One of my favorites in the game. Have never played, but welcome any good photos. I’ve heard the 9th hole is one of the best in the country.

Chris Patton, 1989 US Amateur Champion. They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

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Talk soon,

BTG